How to Use the Action Button on Samsung Galaxy Phones

This guide explains how to set up and use the Action Button on Samsung Galaxy phones. The Action Button is a customizable physical key (often the side or Bixby button) that you can program to launch apps, trigger routines, or perform quick actions. You’ll need a Samsung Galaxy phone with One UI 5.0 or later and access to the Settings app.

What You’ll Need

• A Samsung Galaxy phone (Galaxy S20 series or newer, Galaxy Note20 series or newer, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series, or Galaxy A series with One UI 5.0+)
• One UI 5.0 or later (check in Settings > About Phone > Software Information)
• Optional: a Samsung account for some routines

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Settings app on your Galaxy phone.
2. Scroll down and tap Advanced Features.
3. Tap Side Button (or Bixby Key on older models). This is where you manage the Action Button.
4. Under Press and hold, choose what happens when you press and hold the button. Options include: Wake Bixby, Open an app, Turn on the flashlight, or Start a Routine.
5. If you select Open an app, tap the gear icon next to it, then choose the app from your list. You can also select a specific action within an app if supported (e.g., open the camera in selfie mode).
6. If you select Start a Routine, you’ll be asked to pick a Bixby Routine. You can create one in the Modes and Routines app (or in Settings > Advanced Features > Modes and Routines).
7. Under Double press, you can set a separate action for double-pressing the button. Tap it and choose from the same list: Bixby, open an app, or a routine.
8. For the Press and hold option, you can also adjust the press-and-hold duration (from 0.5 seconds to 1.5 seconds) by tapping the gear icon and moving the slider. This controls how long you must hold before the action triggers.
9. After setting your choices, press the button to test. Press and hold to see if the selected action launches. Double-press to test that action as well.
10. If you want to revert to the default Bixby behavior, go back to the same settings and select Wake Bixby for both press actions.

Common Mistakes

• Not checking One UI version: If you don’t see the Side Button settings, your phone may be running an older version of One UI. Update your phone via Settings > Software Update.
• Confusing the Action Button with the Power button: On many Galaxy phones, the side button is the same physical button as the power button. The Action Button is not a separate key; it’s a customizable function of that same button.
• Setting an app that doesn’t support the action: Some apps may not respond to the “Open app” action if they have special launch requirements. Try a different app or use a routine instead.
• Forgetting to adjust the hold duration: If the button feels unresponsive, you may need to increase the press-and-hold duration. A very short duration can cause accidental triggers.
• Not using the double-press feature: Many users only set the press-and-hold action and miss the convenience of a separate double-press action. Use both to maximize efficiency.

Tips

• Use the Action Button for your most frequent task: For example, set it to open the camera for quick photo capture, or to toggle the flashlight when you need it in the dark.
• Combine with Modes and Routines: Create a routine that turns on Do Not Disturb and opens your favorite meditation app when you press and hold the button at night.
• Test the button after setting: Always test the press and hold and double press to ensure they work as expected. If an action doesn’t trigger, revisit the settings.
• Use the accessibility shortcut: If you have difficulty pressing the button, you can also enable the accessibility shortcut in Settings > Accessibility > Interaction and Dexterity, which allows you to use the side button for accessibility features.
• Keep the button clean: Dirt or moisture can affect button responsiveness. Wipe the button with a dry cloth if it becomes sticky.

Troubleshooting

If the Action Button doesn’t work as expected, try the following:

• Check if the button is physically stuck: If the button feels stuck or doesn’t click, remove any case and press it gently. If it’s still stuck, contact Samsung support.
• Restart your phone: A simple restart can fix temporary glitches. Press and hold the side button and volume down button, then tap Restart.
• Reset the button settings: Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Side Button and tap “Reset” (if available) or manually set both actions to default.
• Update your apps: If the app you assigned isn’t launching, update it from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
• Check for software updates: Go to Settings > Software Update > Download and install. Samsung frequently fixes bugs related to button functionality.
• Safe mode test: Boot your phone into Safe Mode (press and hold the power button, then tap and hold the Power Off icon until the Safe Mode prompt appears). If the button works in Safe Mode, a third-party app is interfering. Uninstall recently installed apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Action Button to turn off the screen?

Yes, you can set the press-and-hold action to “Open an app” and choose an app that locks the screen, or you can use a Bixby Routine that turns off the screen. However, the default press action is often used for power, so you might want to keep it as is.

Is the Action Button available on all Samsung Galaxy phones?

No, it’s available on most recent models with One UI 5.0 or later, including the Galaxy S20 and newer, Note20 and newer, Z Fold/Flip series, and some A series. Older models may only have the Bixby key with limited customization.

Can I set the Action Button to open a specific app shortcut?

Yes, you can choose “Open an app” and then select an app. Some apps also allow you to choose a specific activity (like a camera mode) by tapping the gear icon next to the app name.

What is the difference between the Action Button and the Bixby Key?

The Action Button is the customizable function of the side button introduced in One UI 5.0. The Bixby Key was a dedicated physical button on older Galaxy phones (like the S10 series) that only triggered Bixby. The Action Button replaces that concept with more flexibility.

Can I use the Action Button to start a Bixby Routine?

Yes, you can set the press-and-hold or double-press action to “Start a Routine.” You’ll need to create a routine in the Modes and Routines app first.

Why is my Action Button not responding?

First, check if the button is physically working by pressing it normally. If it is, go to Settings > Advanced Features > Side Button and ensure the action is set. If it still doesn’t work, restart your phone or check for software updates. If the problem persists, contact Samsung support.

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